Raging fire forces closure of Nepal airport

Nepalese firefighters try to control a grass fire close to the runway of Nepal's international airport in Katmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012. The grass fire has closed Nepal's only international airport and forced flights to divert to India. Police spokesman Raviraj Shrestha said the fire spread close to the runway but away from the terminal building Tuesday evening. No damage or casualties were reported, and it was brought under control within hours.

Navesh Chitrakar / Reuters

Locals run carrying the water pipes of the fire brigade as they try to extinguish the fire caught at the grassland and bushes adjoining the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Feb. 7. National and international flights were affected due to the fire that started from the bushes adjoining the eastern part of the TIA, according to the local media reports.

AP reports:

A grass fire has closed Nepal's only international airport and forced flights to divert to India.

Police spokesman Raviraj Shrestha said the fire spread close to the runway but away from the terminal building Tuesday evening. No damage or casualties were reported, and it was brought under control within hours.

The fire and smoke were visible around part of Nepal's capital, Katmandu. Continue reading.

Navesh Chitrakar / Reuters

Nepalese children watch as a fire spreads at the grassland and bushes adjoining Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Feb. 7.